MDI BOX

[Newf]

The attached link is a good read on the MDI Box found on the Volvo Penta engines. Found it on another forum. Not sure how many VP models have them but it's what's on my D1-30F. As many of you know there has been many issues around these "black boxes" so well worth the read. It may have been posted here before but was my first time seeing it.

http://nordkyndesign.com/engine-reliabi ... black-box/

 

[Mr. T]

I just had this issue with my R-21EC over the 4th of July. I arrived at an on the water restaurant, turned off the motor, no problem. But when I went to turn the system off, it would not turn off. The digital readout on the RPM still read the hours and would not turn off. I figured I would turn the battery off and on to reset but now I could not get the system to turn on, so I could not start the motor. After a variety of calls to my dealer and Ranger, my dealer instructed me on how to turn the engine on with a screwdriver. Once it was on, the system seemed to run fine, until I needed to turn it off, once again, I would have to turn the battery off to do so. Since I got back, it's all working fine. But I do believe it is the MDI Box or Wiring Harness issue. Does anyone have detailed instructions on how to put an emergency start switch on the motor?

 

[lproulx]

It is pretty easy. The box has three screw stud terminals. Hook a push button switch between the center terminal and the one closest to the engine. You can unbolt the box from the engine to make it easier to work on. Wiring does not carry much current. 14 ga wire is fine. Automotive stores sell suitable switches.

Larry

 

[TylerFromEverett]

I just had this issue with my R-21EC over the 4th of July. I arrived at an on the water restaurant, turned off the motor, no problem. But when I went to turn the system off, it would not turn off. The digital readout on the RPM still read the hours and would not turn off. I figured I would turn the battery off and on to reset but now I could not get the system to turn on, so I could not start the motor. After a variety of calls to my dealer and Ranger, my dealer instructed me on how to turn the engine on with a screwdriver. Once it was on, the system seemed to run fine, until I needed to turn it off, once again, I would have to turn the battery off to do so. Since I got back, it's all working fine. But I do believe it is the MDI Box or Wiring Harness issue. Does anyone have detailed instructions on how to put an emergency start switch on the motor?

Could you please explain how you started it with a screwdriver? Thanks!

 

[lproulx]

The screwdriver method is to lie on your side, feet in the cabin, and jump the center stud to the inner stud on the MDI box with the screwdriver. This will activate the starter, but the engine jumps around a little as it starts, and it takes a steady hand.

 

[lproulx]

Another thing - you mentioned "turning the battery off" to shut down the engine. Diesel engines (at least the ones with mechanical injection systems like the MD-1) have a manual shutoff device, because unlike their gasoline brethren, they require electricity to shut down, but not to run. An electric solenoid shuts off the fuel when it is energized. The MD-1 has a lever labeled "stop" on the right side of the engine facing forward. Turn it to shut down the engine. I don't offhand see how turning the battery off would cause your engine to stop.

 

[Mr. T]

I was referring to turning the entire system off with the battery not the motor. While I could turn the motor off via the panel switch, I could not turn the entire system off afterwards. Once the motor restarted with the screwdriver, I could turn the motor off and on from the panel as the system was on but it would not turn off again until I turned the battery off. At that point it can only be started with the screw driver.

I see if I can try to take a picture regarding the screwdriver set up. You have to be exact otherwise there could be big sparks I'm told.

Thanks for the info regarding the switch, I'll try and see if I can figure it out.

Thank you!